West Ham United striker Wellington Paulista refuses to join Hammers trip to Dubai

West Ham United striker Wellington Paulista has refused to join the rest of the Hammers squad on their sunshine break to Dubai this week – preferring to stay in London to play for the reserves.

Paulista, 28, joined West Ham on loan from Cruzeiro last month until the end of the season and has yet to make his first appearance for Sam Allardyce’s team, but has scored three goals in three games for the reserves.

The West Ham first team have flown to Dubai in a bid to reverse their poor form which could see them fall into a relegation battle but the Brazilian striker believes he will get fitter staying at home and playing for the development team against Southampton on Friday.

An Upton Park insider told The Sun: “Everyone was a bit surprised to hear about Wellington turning down the chance to go.

“He plays for a top-six side in Brazil but has come to West Ham to prove himself. And he is happy to play in front of 300 fans for the reserves to do so.

“He’s 28 and in his youth scored against Barcelona at the Nou Camp so he knows what the big time is.

“He says staying here will help make him fitter and reckons playing for the reserves will get him fitter than going to Dubai.